Drug treatment

Verified 13 September 2023 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

Drug addiction refers to addiction to drugs: cannabis, heroin, cocaine, for example.

This dependence can be treated on the initiative of the drug addict himself or following a referral from a professional (doctor or social worker).

In addition, the judiciary can order care.

We present you with the information you need to know.

Specialized medical services

Centers for care, support and prevention in addictology (CSAPA)

CSAPAs allow you to take stock with a professional on the difficulties encountered.

They offer counseling toward cessation or moderate drug use or toward substitution therapy (for people who are dependent on opioids).

The user will be able to choose the support that suits him best.

In particular, he may opt for an ambulatory withdrawal (i.e. without hospitalization) or a hospital withdrawal while being hosted in a partner service.

The support offered by the CSAPA can continue throughout the withdrawal period, including hospital treatment, and beyond. Indeed, the weaned person can continue to be welcomed in the context of specific interviews or workshops aimed at consolidating his arrest.

Hospital facilities

Outpatient care is also available in hospital facilities (hospital addictology units).

These structures are of varying importance.

They offer external consultations, such as what CSAPAs can offer.

Reception and support centers for risk reduction (Caarud)

Les Caarud:

  • Offer personalized information and advice for drug users
  • Provide a collective and individual welcome
  • Provide infection prevention materials
  • Develop social mediation actions to ensure good integration in the neighborhood and prevent nuisances related to drug use
  • May deliver certain medicines (e.g. water for injections)
  • Provide user support. For example, support in access to care, access to rights, access to housing and integration or reintegration into employment.

Stop care addictions (HSA)

The USA is open by some CSAPAs and the Caarud until 31 December 2025.

They are located within CSAPA and Caarud or in separate premises or mobile structures.

The aim is to help major drug users who want advice to reduce the risks (e.g. overdose, infection).

They may consume in safe conditions and be accompanied for health-related matters (for example, seeking a primary care physician, obtaining psychiatric help, receiving withdrawal).

Who shall I contact

One doctor or a social worker can point out the case of a person who is a drug addict the Regional Health Agency (RHA).

The LRA then orders the execution of a survey on the family, professional and social life of the person and requests a medical examination.

  • If the examination reveals an addiction, the person must undergo a detoxification treatment in the facility of his choice. Alternatively, the SRA may designate one ex officio.
  • If the medical examination does not reveal addiction, the person is asked to remain under medical supervision. This surveillance will be carried out either by a doctor chosen by the Director-General of the LRA, or by a social health clinic or an approved public or private establishment.

Justice can ask a drug addict to seek treatment.

This care is called therapeutic injunction (or injunction for treatment). They may include rehab.

The injunction may be ordered in the context of:

The magistrate or court that issued the therapeutic order shall inform the Regional Health Agency (ARS).

The LRA has the person concerned medically examined by a doctor designated as a bridge doctor (and possibly an inquiry into the family, professional and social life of the drug addict).

The designated health professional shall inform the judicial authority of his opinion on the appropriateness of the therapeutic injunction.

Who can help me?

Find who can answer your questions in your region

  • Drugs info service

    By telephone

    0 800 23 13 13 (free and anonymous call)

    Open from 8am to 2am, 7 days a week

    Information about drugs, alcohol, addictions including gambling addiction.

    Listen, support, advice and guidance.

    You can call to be concerned directly or indirectly by drug use.

    Via the Internet

    Access to Your questions / Our answers to ask questions of service professionals

    By Cat

    Open: